PROCLAMATION OF NEW KING ON THE THRONE & THE SCOTTISH OATH

It was with great interest that I watched the ceremony where Prince Charles is officially proclaimed monarch.  While he automatically becomes King on the death of his mother it has to be confirmed in an Accession Council* Ceremony. (This is usually done within 24 hours of the death of the monarch.)

This took place today in St James Palace, London where 200 (out of 700) invited members of the Privy Council gathered [These are the people called 'Right Honorable']  The monarch is not present. Those present included 6 former Prime Ministers, along with leaders of various religious orders and Prince William and Camilla. Apparently Nicola Sturgeon was invited as part of the 200.

First they state formally that the monarch has died then they state or 'proclaim' the person who is to 'accede'  The proclamation is then signed by Prince William, Camilla (and others). Then everyone moved to the throne room where the new King joins them.

The King makes his personal declaration to serve the country starting with  the   words....

I, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of My other Realms and Territories, King, Defender of the Faith

This was followed by another oath that was required him to promise to uphold the Protestant faith of Scotland by declaring it entirely independent.  This dates back to a time when Catholic Europe was seen as an existential threat to Britain. It promises to protect the security of the Church of Scotland which, unlike in England, is separate from the state*.

Here it is in full.  (Note the wording in line 7!)

I understand that the Law requires that I should, at My Accession to the Crown, take and subscribe the Oath relating to the Security of the Church of Scotland.  I am ready to do so at this first opportunity.

I, Charles the Third, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and of My other Realms and Territories, King, Defender of the Faith, do faithfully promise and swear that I shall inviolably maintain and preserve the Settlement of the true Protestant Religion as established by the Laws made in Scotland in prosecution of the Claim of Right and particularly by an Act intituled “An Act for securing the Protestant Religion and Presbyterian Church Government” and by the Acts passed in the Parliament of both Kingdoms for Union of the two Kingdoms, together with the Government, Worship, Discipline, Rights and Privileges of the Church of Scotland.

So help me God.

In every part of the country now there are plans in place for local proclamations to be made, i.e. the Proclamation of Accession is read out (as it would have been done in the old days as it would be the only way people would get to know about it).

And now the new words of the nation anthem  ...  'God Save The King'

Another new practice:  television cameras filmed the event

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*The accession council first met in 1603 after Elizabeth I died without a child. Since then, it meets as soon as possible after the death of a sovereign.

**  What about his position regarding the rest of the UK? Apparently he will make a similar oath in front of Parliament, promising to assume the role of the head of the Church of England.